h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi Platypus 2,

did you have a good trip to Canberra? I guess you didn't drown while you were here. That's the wettest it's been in ages.

Did you get out and about much or did you just stay in the city area?

Ythika

Hello Ythika,

It was intensive, I came down on the train on Fridaay evening, very nice trip, 41/2 hours. I stayed at the Hotel beside the Casino, the conference was in the National Convention Centre and it started on Saturday Morning.

On Saturday evening, I stayed in the Hotel (very tired). the conference went until Tuesday lunchtime, so the only time I got to go out was in the early morning when I went for a walk to the lake and admired the bird life. On Monday, I saw a hot air balloon drifting over the lake in the sunrise, it was beautiful.

ON Sunday evening, there was a social function at the Museum of Australia,we got to walk through it - very impressive, and on Monday, there was a formal dinner in Parliament House, which was also impressive, although I set off the alarms with my hematite jewellery.

So I guess the answer is yes, I had a good time, and came home exhausted, but no, I saw very little of the city.

How is the cutest toddler in the world?

Hi,
The cutest toddler is asleep - thank God. She's a little temperamental at the moment. We are having a lot of screaming in the car but otherwise she is an angel. I kept telling her yesterday that Grandma would be home tomorrow (now today), so when we went to visit my Granny (96 yo) I was to surprised to find my mother there. My daughter runs in calling "hello Granny, hello Granny", looks at my Mum and says " you're in Mummy's chair!" Mum actually got up and moved.
I played with the band at the convention centre and Parliament House for the View club last year. They must have booked themselves into all the same places as you did.
We went to the Museum to see the Playschool exhibit a little while ago. We had to cope with a tantrum when it was time to leave. I'm hoping that is a good sign.
How are your two? - especially how is the trombone playing going? Bearable? ?

The trombone being lower brass is actually ok, but my 8yo son has come home with a trumpet and that's much more strident. He is now learning piano, trumpet, and fife. Oh joy, what with their tutorials, instrument hire and band fees, there is nothing left fom my pay packet, but still they have fun and last year my daughter got to go to the State Music Camp (entry by audition) which we were all thrilled at.

She is year 6 and so we are doing the High shcool thing at the moment, but I guess that's a way off for you yet.

We will be coming back to Canberra some time soon as a family to see the Museum and Questacon.

P2

Hi P2,
My brother learnt trumpet, but luckily he seemed to start with quite a good tone. I'm thinking some drumming/rhythm lessons for the little one in about a year's time. But I also want her to try dancing and piano and another instrument. I'll have to work 2 jobs instead of half of one and where would we find the time? I think we'll just have to try a few things and see what she likes best since I want it to be fun rather than being overorganised.

The trip to the museum and Questacon sounds good. I had this thought that we could meet at one of the two places and then I thought interests of 21/2 y.o. and interests of 8 y.o. and older probably wouldn't mix to well. Doesn't matter.

Ythika (due to the lack of a cheese smiley)